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It will happen to all of us, this aging process. If we are ‘lucky’ enough, we will grow old and eventually need more care, possibly more care than our families can provide. This is a part of life.

Perhaps, we are the ones making choices for our loved ones. We are making decisions on where to live and how to be cared for. “This is your new home,” we say.

I see it in their eyes and feel it in the atmosphere; “This is not my home.” they think. Oh, some people adjust, like Auntie Sue. She was positive, grateful and kind no matter her circumstance; no matter where she was. But it is hard for others. It’s not familiar or comfortable…it doesn’t sound like home or smell like home. “My heart is not here,” they think. “I want to go home.”

I don’t have a response or even an alternative suggestion; I wish I did. For it is not always possible to give our loved ones the answers they want. So, we dig deep into our souls and bring out our bowels of compassion, love and care. We remember the dignity of others. We respect privacy and requests for certain things….familiar things. We do the best we can.

Yes, it will happen to all of us, this aging process; if we are ‘lucky’.